Glencoe - The Glen of Weeping
The Buachaille - Scotland's pyramid standing at the head of Glen Etive
The Three Sisters of Glencoe and Scottish heather in full bloom
Stirling Castle - here Stuarts "once in glory reigned"
Old Brig 'O Stirling with the William Wallace monument behind - Scots Wha Hae!
Doune Castle on the River Teith
Feeding Honey the Highland cow at Kilmahog
The Falls of Dochart at Killin
The Church of the Holy Rude and the Merchants Kirkyard
The Forth Bridge in winter sun
Glencoe in winter
Loch Achtriochtan at Glencoe
Hiking the "Old Military Road" at Glencoe
A memorial cairn at Glencoe
The Three Sisters of Glencoe
Buachaille Etive Mòr
The Aonach Eagach
A solitary Rowan Tree along the "Old Military Road" at Glencoe
The Glencoe Massacre Memorial
After the Massacre - Peter Graham's painting of Glencoe
Glencoe - The Glen of Weeping
As you wander through the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Glencoe, you feel the melancholy of the past. In the Gaelic tongue, Glencoe signifies the Glen of Weeping, the very ‘Valley of the Shadow of Death” as Sir Walter Scott put it. It is named so as it was the site of the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe, where 38 clan members were brutally killed. "Put all to the sword under seventy years of age" and "spare none" were the orders of King William of Orange; the Campbells of Argyll were tasked with carrying out this grim deed. This order was part of a broader campaign to assert control over the Jacobite Highland clans. Yet, Glencoe is not just a place that echoes of sorrows past; amidst this poignant history, the towering peaks, serene lochs, and cascading waterfalls inspire awe that is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest highland glens.
Tour Highlights
The Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, The Falls of Dochart, Glencoe, Glen Etive, Highland Cattle
The Itinerary
The Forth Bridge: This Victorian engineering marvel is a UNESCO site, and we'll get spectacular views of it from the charming village of North Queensferry.
Stirling Castle: Explore this historic fortress and discover the story of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace fought for Scottish independence. Wander the grounds of the Church of the Holy Rood, learn tales of Scotland's past.
Doune Castle: This remarkably well-preserved medieval castle, is famous for its appearances in films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail (as Castle Anthrax!) and Outlander (as Castle Leoch).
Highland Cows: Enjoy a fun visit with our friendly Highland Cows, Hamish and Honey, at Kilmahog. Feed them and give them a gentle pat!
Mhor Bread Bakery: Famous for serving some of the best meat pies in Scotland, this is a delicious lunch you won't want to miss!
The Falls of Dochart: We pause at the village of Killin to admire the majestic falls that cascade through the village.
Glencoe: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the iconic Three Sisters mountains.
Glen Etive: Journey through the breathtaking wilderness of this glen, a scenic landscape featured in the James Bond film Skyfall.
Optional Activities
Stirling Castle entry: Take a guided tour of the castle, visit the royal palace and gardens, the great hall and view the unicorn tapestries.
Doune Castle entry: Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of this 14th Century castle as you explore its interior.
Deanston Whisky Distillery Tour: Step into the heart of a historic cotton mill turned whisky distillery. Discover the art of crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky on a distillery tour.
Hiking Glencoe (2-3 hrs return): Experience a scenic hike to the 'Lost Valley' at Coire Gabhail, surrounded by the stunning Three Sisters peaks. N.B. This activity would require a direct drive to Glencoe and wouldn’t be possible in winter.